{Sexy Spotlight}... Chicago Bridal Trends 101 Recap | Chicago Wedding Expo

     In case you missed it, this past Wednesday, May 23^rd, Jenny Taylor held a small bridal expo at the studio called Chicago Bridal Trends 101. Brides from all over Chicagoland ventured over to hear various informational mini-lectures from the different people who can help you plan your wedding — covering any detail from flowers to music to dress alterations . . . even dance lessons! Wedding planning can be so overwhelming, and the event was created to help future brides have an easier time knowing what’s current and what’s available today.

     Upon arrival, brides signed in with me, the Boudoir Bloggin’ Babe, just outside of the studio (it was a beautiful day!) and received their canvas Jenny Taylor swag bags packed with a Chicago Wedding Guide (check out the back cover; we’re on it!) and tons of free samples. In addition to the swag, the brides and their guests also received raffle tickets for a chance at the various prizes Jenny and the vendors would be giving away that evening. (There were so many giveaways . . . after all, generosity is Jenny’s middle name!)

     The studio, alive with music, was simply bustling with people! Jenny’s right-hand woman, Amber, efficiently milled around helping out wherever she was needed. Refreshments were served as the brides arrived, and eventually, guests convened in the living room of the studio. There was hardly an empty seat for me, but it was awesome, because the space really buzzes with a crowd.

     Each vendor’s informational speech was fifteen minutes, so there was ample time to learn about what’s currently trending in the wedding industry no matter what area they specialized in. Every now and again Jenny would step in to say a couple words, telling anecdotes or a joke, to make sure the guests were enjoying themselves. She really lights up when she hosts events!

     One particular bride, Sadhna, who is in the midst of planning two unique weddings over a long celebratory weekend next year — a Catholic one for her hubby-to-be and an Indian one to honor her family’s culture — was really impressed with what she learned from the event: “It’s key to ensure that they’ve got your back and really go above and beyond to make sure everything goes smoothly at your wedding. It’s important for whoever you hire to be able to pick up on those nuances so they can anticipate what might happen. I liked the emphasis on breaking out of tradition and focusing on what you want rather than what you ‘should’ do; obviously, that’s so true for my fiancé and me.”

     For Sadhna, it was also a great opportunity to meet Jenny Taylor at last and take a look around the studio. “Jenny was really nice and friendly, and I loved what I saw of the studio!” she said. “It’s also great that it was in suburbs — it was convenient for me to get to, and I feel like she brought vendors from all over Chicagoland to us, which I really appreciated.”

     If you’re curious about the vendors, Bridal Trends 101 welcomed Soirée Weddings & Events, Classic Wedding Car, JewelMint, Music and Photo Booth By Design, Arthur Murray, Bri’Lan Couture,  Le Chocolat, Kathryn the Trainer, Reverend Barry Kolanowski, and Taafe Jewelry to share their informational sessions with our guests. It was especially interesting to hear how weddings are transforming nowadays and to see what’s available to customize your own — even if it’s a huge undertaking!

     Plus, you can always give your future husband a little extra something as a wedding gift that you know Jenny Taylor loves to provide: photographs from a boudoir shoot. “Don’t worry,” Jenny said to Sadhna that evening, “your man’s jaw will drop when he sees the photos. They’re always like ‘Wow!’ That’s the woman I married.’ ”

     So, bottom line? Yet another fun and enriching event with a fabulous turnout thanks to the efforts of our very own Jenny Taylor . . . Missed out? No worries, we’re planning another expo this upcoming fall. You want in?